Normal computed tomography  of abdomen and pelvis of the cat

Normal computed tomography of abdomen and pelvis of the cat

Normal computed tomography of abdomen and pelvis of the cat


Introduction

This vet-Anatomy module presents an anatomy atlas of the abdomen and pelvis of the cat on CT.


Computed tomography (CT) has become an essential imaging modality in feline medicine, particularly for the assessment of abdominal and pelvic structures. In the domestic cat (Felis catus), the relatively small size of internal organs, overlapping anatomical features, and the often non-specific clinical presentation of abdominal diseases present diagnostic challenges when using conventional radiography or ultrasonography alone. CT overcomes many of these limitations by offering high-resolution, cross-sectional images with excellent soft tissue contrast, three-dimensional reconstructions, and the ability to image without interference from intestinal gas or patient positioning.


CT plays a pivotal role in the evaluation of a wide range of intra-abdominal conditions in cats, including neoplasia, urinary tract disorders, hepatic and splenic abnormalities, gastrointestinal obstructions, and vascular anomalies. In the pelvic region, CT is particularly valuable for assessing traumatic injuries, pelvic fractures, and masses involving the rectum, urogenital tract, and lymph nodes. Furthermore, contrast-enhanced CT protocols enable detailed visualization of organ perfusion, vascular supply, and pathological enhancement patterns, improving diagnostic specificity and facilitating interventional planning.


The use of CT in preoperative staging, surgical navigation, and follow-up imaging enhances clinical decision-making and outcomes, especially in complex or ambiguous cases. As veterinary CT becomes more widely available and protocols more standardized, the exploration of its full potential in feline abdominal and pelvic diagnostics continues to grow. 
 

Material and methods

A CT of abdomen and pelvis was performed on a healthy 3-year-old castrated male cat, with iodinated contrast agents and using a Canon CT scanner (Slice thickness: 0.6 mm; Slice spacing: 0.5 mm) by Dr. Susanne AEB Boroffka, dipl. ECVDI, PhD (Utrecht, Netherlands).


Frontal and sagittal multiplanar reconstructions (MPR) and VR 3D volume-rendered images were generated from the same CT DICOM dataset. Antoine Micheau, MD (Radiologist, Montpellier, France) performed these reconstructions using a GE ADW workstation.


Images displaying anatomical labelling and anatomical definitions were created by Antoine Micheau MD (Radiologist - Montpellier, France) and Denis Hoa, MD (Radiologist - Montpellier, France), in collaboration with Stephan Mahler, DVM, MA, MSc, PhD (Veterinary Anatomist - Montpellier, France).

During the labelling process, the following observations were made: 

  • Undescended left testis
  • Four sacral vertebrae (cats usually have three sacral vertebrae)

The anatomical structures were labeled, following the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria, and grouped by topics (available using the different filters):

  • Body parts
  • Regions
  • Bones
    • Ribs
    • Sternum
    • Vertebral column
    • Bones of pelvic limb
  • Joints
  • Muscles
    • Muscles of back
    • Muscles of thorax
    • Muscles of abdomen
    • Muscles of perineum
    • Muscles of tail
    • Muscles of pelvic limb
  • Respiratory apparatus
    • Lungs
    • Pleura
  • Digestive system
    • Oesophagus
    • Stomach
    • Small intestine
    • Large intestine
    • Liver
    • Hepatic segmentation
    • Biliary tract
    • Pancreas
    • Spleen
    • Peritoneum
  • Urogenital system
    • Kidney
    • Ureter
    • Urinary bladder
    • Male urethra
    • Male genital organs
    • Perineum
  • Arteries and aorta
  • Veins (systemic veins and hepatic portal system)
  • Lymphatic system with lymph nodes and lymphatic trunks and ducts
  • Spinal cord
     

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